Gila Chaya means ‘joy and life’ which is at the heart of my music.

Gila’s vocals blend the sweet, nostalgic romance of traditional jazz with the vitality of world music and Latin rhythms.

Photo by: Justyna Pezik

Listen to

The Recordings

Gabriel's Message

by Sting performed by Gila Chaya with John Crawford Band

Circle Game

by Joni Mitchell performed by Gila Chaya with Matt Robinson

Dienda

by Sting performed by Gila Chaya with Matt Robinson

Henematov

by Gila Chaya with John Crawford Band

Ladino Song

by Gila Chaya with John Crawford Band

Alfonsina Y El Mar

by Mercedes Sosa performed by Gila Chaya

About the Artist

Gila Chaya is a jazz vocalist and composer based in London and born in South Africa of Polish roots. She has been singing and playing the piano for as long as she can remember. Gila studied classical piano for 6 years and latin jazz vocals and composition at Goldsmiths College in London.

Gila Chaya has performed with distinguished jazz artists in venues across London and Rome, including The Vortex, Cafe Posk, The Forge, Archduke, and Lupigiada in Rome’s District of Monti.

Her unique style is inspired by the rich tapestry of latin and world jazz — from legendary matriarchs: Mercedes Sosa, Violeta Parra and Elis Regina, to the vibrant voices of Nà Ozzetti, Mônica Salmaso, Noa Nini and the soulful bass of Avishai Cohen.

Gila has recorded with artists as part of the Vortex Ascent music collective, with her single “Basho in three”, recognised as N#1 of all time in the Somojo Radio Jazz Charts.

Discography

Albums:

Vortex Ascent – Shine A Light (2013)
Vortex Ascent – Dancing through the Needle’s Eye (2013)

Singles:

Walk in the Park – Gila Chaya/ Derek Schuurman
Gabriel’s Message – Gila Chaya/ John Crawford Quartet
My Favourite Things – Gila Chaya/ John Crawford

Education Outreach

University of Cape Town: Bachelor of Arts Degree: English Literature and Philosophy (1997)

Goldsmiths University of London: Certificate in Music (Merit) (2013)

City Lit: Jazz Singing with Carol Grimes ( 2008 -2011)

My real joy came from teaching the kids of CEN8 for five years. CEN8Kids is an outreach programme at Goldsmith’s University, London which provides creative and performance activities designed to stimulate the imaginative thinking of young children.

Testimonial:

“Volunteering for us over many years, Gila is a wonderful and inspiring teacher whose singing sessions brought joy to the participants of CEN8’s junior performance clubs, CEN8Kids and Studio8. Liked and admired in equal measure by her both colleagues and students, Gila’s work with the children and young people not only helped them become the best singers that they could but also inspired a love of music and a confidence in them that went far beyond their singing abilities.”